Powermaster Bridge question

Nope, one PowerMaster bridge for the entire layout will do the trick.

One glitch you may come across, if you want to use the TMCC command base and the PowerMaster with the Legacy, they'll fight it out.  If you're using the PowerMaster Bridge, you can't also use the CAB1, it uses the same frequencies to communicate with the command base.

To clearify the issue somewhat, You cannot have a powermaster bridge and a TMCC CAB1 base connected at the same time. They will interfere with each other. When you add Legacy you have three options. Remove and stop using the CAB1 base and remote and add a powermaster bridge. Replace the powermasters with TPC's. Or as a last resort, remove the powermasters and use the handels on the ZW to control the conventional engines.

I believe the best option is to replace the powermasters with TPC's but if cost is a facter then your best bet may be to remove the powermasters and use the ZW to control conventional trains until you can aford the TPC's one at a time.

Al

Actually, since you have TMCC CAB-1 and are adding Legacy so won't need anything.  The CAB-1 can talk to your power masters, and Legacy can control your Command Layout.  I know folks who use Legacy and TMCC at the same time.

Your Legacy can't control the PowerMasters, but so what.  For your command loop you can just flip the PM switch to CMD and get full voltage to the Command track.  Or leave the PMs in conventional and use the CAB-1 to rasie the voltage to 18V then control the engines with the Legacy.

The only problem is the Halt button to shutdown the PM won't work from the Legacy unit.  You would need the CAB-1 for that.  G

I am confused, which isn't the least bit unusual when it comes to electronics, so please bear with me.  If I can't use my CAB1 remote with my Powermaster Bridge am I right in assuming all I have to do is use the CAB2 with the Powermaster Bridge to run my engines in either conventional mode or command mode or is there more to it than that. 

Cab 1 remote can still operate the powermasters (conv mode only).  With legacy bridge, the original tmcc base is no longer used or even hooked up.  Cab-2 will then work the powermasters.

Correct, the only reason to connect the TMCC base to the Legacy is so you can use your CAB1 remotes in addition to the Legacy remotes.  As discussed, that only works if you don't have a PowerMaster Bridge in the picture.

I got it!  I think.

If you don't, we're simply going to have to beat it into you.